The Stars Just Up the Street

In 'The Stars Just Up the Street,' young Mabel is captivated by stars, but her experience pales in comparison to her grandfather's childhood memories of brilliant, countless stars. Determined to see the sky as he once did, Mabel discovers that light pollution from her town is obscuring the view. This realization sparks her journey as a budding community organizer, as she endeavors to convince her neighbors to turn off their lights for one magical night. The story beautifully blends a child's curiosity with themes of environmental awareness, intergenerational connection, and the power of collective action, all enhanced by luminous illustrations.

A grandpa’s memories of brilliant night skies inspire a little girl to take action in a tale for budding community organizers and star lovers alike. Mabel loves stars. She counts five from her window and thirty-seven from her backyard. But her grandfather tells her that, as a child, he could see thousands. Could it be true? Mabel climbs a hill looking for more stars — only to discover that the glow from the nearby town makes them hard to see. What would it take for her neighbors to turn off their lights, just for one night, so that everyone could see the starlit sky? Sue Soltis’s tale of a young activist and Christine Davenier’s luminous illustrations will leave readers curious about the dark-sky movement — and the wonder that is waiting for them just up the street.